In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County can help protect your record and your future.
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for offenses like second-degree assault. Felonies carry higher penalties. The District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law statutes at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures are available at the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where evidence is exchanged.
- Motion hearings to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or plea negotiation for resolution.
In Howard County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. If you need a public lewdness lawyer near me Howard County, we are here to help. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal at District Court of MD for Howard County.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Howard County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are eligible for expungement.
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. See also our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer and Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyer pages. Related services in Howard County include DUI/DWI lawyer and family law lawyer. Meet our team: Kristen Fisher. Visit our Maryland office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.